Game4Padel, the UK’s leading padel business, will be officially opening two new padel courts this November at Grappenhall Village Lawn Tennis Club.
Padel is reported to be the world’s fastest growing sport which is now played in over 100 countries around the world, by an estimated 25 million players. It is estimated that Spain now has over 20,000 Padel courts, and over six million active players – padel is now the country’s second biggest participation sport after football.
A padel court is smaller than a tennis court (10m x 20m) and is surrounded by glass walls and metallic fence (3m and 4m high). It is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton. The balls are similar to those used in tennis, but the rackets are easier to play with as they are smaller and don’t have strings.
In Sweden and Italy the sport grew rapidly during lockdown and in some parts of the Middle East the sport is now part of the national curriculum in schools. Forecasters predict padel will become an Olympic sport by 2032.
Fans of the game include Game4Padel investors Andy Murray, Virgil van Dijk and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as well as well-known names such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, David and Cruz Beckham, Jurgen Klopp, Bradley Walsh, Elle MacPherson and Nicole Scherzinger.
The courts at Grappenhall will be officially opened on 5 November. Anyone is welcome to attend from 10am onwards to take part in padel clinics, learn more about the sport and watch an exhibition padel match.
Grappenhall Village Lawn Tennis Club is situated in South Warrington and currently has eight tennis courts (six astroturf and two hard courts).
Steve Garbutt, a spokesperson for Grappenhall Village Lawn Tennis Club, commented, “Padel is going to be a great addition at Grappenhall. We have seen how popular the game is becoming all around the UK and can see the courts being in high demand from existing members of the club, as well as people who live in the local area. The courts are open to anyone to use, so we encourage as many people as possible to come down and give it a go.”
Game4Padel Co-Founder and CEO, Michael Gradon added: “In the past year, there has been unprecedented demand for new padel courts around the country – it’s really gaining momentum as people become hooked on this fun, new sport. The game is really easy to learn, highly sociable, good fun, suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and provides plenty of mental and physical benefits.”
